Monday's one-hour event began at 6 p.m., with roughly 60 children from Coalition for Kids entering the ETSU/MSHA Athletic Center to interact with ETSU scholar-athletes and meet Santa. The children were fed dinner and also given the chance to decorate cookies with the athletes.

The event was initially spearheaded by head strength and conditioning coach Lee Morrow, and it has continued to grow throughout the years as different groups within the community and ETSU have taken the initiative to make this a special evening for the children.

“The history of this event dates back about 12 years now,” said Morrow. “Barbie Breedlove and I have kept the event going and expanded it to where the students play a bigger role. I personally consider this one of the best events I’m involved in. I like taking care of the kids and seeing our athletes making their Christmas a little better. There isn’t anything better than that.”

This annual "ABC" event had several groups helping in putting together the special celebration including: ETSU Athletics, Walmart, S&M Amusements and Clarence Mabe.